by A. E. Via
The two geniuses nodded and turned around to their six monitors and got to work. All of the screens flashing files and pictures across them faster than Michaels could keep up. It was only a few seconds before the printer starting spitting out pages of intel.
“I can forward the information to Judge.” God sat down, rearing backwards. “He’ll find him. I guarantee you.”
“We need this done right, God. What if Judge does something crazy…like he usually does and our informant walks? I need a clean arrest or we’re still fucked.” Day urged.
“Then let me go with him.” Michaels blurted out before he could think better of it.
Everyone turned and looked in Michaels direction. He straightened and squared his shoulders stepping in front of his Lieutenants. “I’m the one that lost this guy, let me get him back.”
God stared him down for a few moments before barking a stern, “No.” God turned and picked up his water bottle as if that was the end of the conversation, but Michaels wasn’t giving up. He wanted to redeem himself, needed to redeem himself. Michaels looked at Day to see if he was in agreement with his partner and it looked like he was. The solemn faces were driving him crazy.
“If I’m with him then I’ll make sure the arrest is clean. Basically you just need this bounty hunter to find him. Well when he does, I’ll be there to arrest him properly.” Michaels argued. He looked at Syn trying to get him on his side. The sergeant had a way of getting the Lieutenants to understand reason.
“That doesn’t sound like a bad idea, God.” Syn said.
Yes.
“If a cop is with him, he might be on his best behavior.”
“That’s not exactly how he works. Everything is on his own terms.” God sighed.
Apparently God knew way more about this guy than he was saying and Michaels wondered what it was.
“He most likely won’t agree to Michaels tagging along anyway. He doesn’t work like that either.”
Michaels huffed annoyingly. “Well how the hell does he work then?”
“He works the same way you make love, Michaels… alone.” Day said, winking at him.
A few of the guys tried to hide their laughter but Michaels just rolled his eyes and flicked Day off. God smiled and shook his head at his partner. Although Michaels wasn’t in the joking mood, the humor did lighten things up a bit, so he played along.
“Hey, what I do in the dark in my car when I’m looking through you guys bedroom window is my damn business.”
God’s head snapped up, and the disgusted look creasing his handsome face, had the room erupting in laughter again. Syn tried to hide his own laugh but it was loud and very contagious. They were high fiving Michaels at getting one-up on Day, which rarely happens. Day blushed, raising his hands in defeat. “Good one, asshole.” He laughed, popping Michaels lightly on his cheek. That was all it took for them to get back to how they usually were. The somber moods had dissipated, now they were just in bad-ass go mode.
After settling down, God looked through a few of the papers that the IT guys dropped on his desk. Michaels and everyone else still stood around them, waiting on the final decision.
“Bounty hunters are all about the payday, as well. The chase and catch is sport for them but the pay is always a great bonus. Maybe if you offer this guy an incentive to his regular fee, maybe he’ll let our guy go too.” Syn chimed in after a while.
God rubbed his face. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
“I can do this, God.” Michaels added for good measure.
“Alright. Let me call him.”
Chapter Nine
Judge flashed his badge to the guard at the door. Once his credentials was thoroughly checked he eased his truck into the underground parking garage for transporting convicts. A guard came out the side door and Judge gave him the paperwork for Antonio Cordeno. The guard went to his desk and typed in the revoked bond information while Judge irritably leaned against his truck. “Come on, man. I ain’t got all fuckin’ night. The paperwork is right there. Take this asshole out my truck so I can go.”
The officer’s lip curled up at him. “You are the most impatient fucker.”
“Yeah. So is your wife.” Judge flicked the sugar cane to the other side of his mouth, his posturing daring the man to react badly.
The young corrections officer face turned a bright shade of red and Judge pushed off his truck ready to square off. Bookem was growling in the back seat, sensing Judge’s ire. Judge could tell the officer wanted to say something, anything, but chose wiser. He yanked his cuffs off his utility belt and met Judge at the back of the truck’s bed. With his key fob, Judge unlocked the back gate and told Tony to come out. The guy took his time scooting to the end of the bed. Judge growled, reached in and grabbed the guy by his ankle and yanked him hard enough that he shoot out the back of the truck and hit the ground with a hard thud.
The officer looked up at Judge like he’d lost his mind but he only shrugged. “He must’ve slipped.”
“Go on. Get out of here.” The officer said, helping Tony to his feet.
Judge heard Tony complaining to the officer about Judge’s treatment but he wasn’t worried about it nor did Judge care to explain anything. He’d head over to Dukes and pick up his paycheck and move on. He might even get a chance to go home for a couple days if he doesn’t get any calls. Like that always happens.
Duke’s Bail Bonds was only a forty minute drive from Summerville to Charleston. The converted three-story brownstone sat right on the outskirts of the city. The top floor was Dukes living are while the bottom two floors was office space. As always Judge walked in without knocking.
“What’s up Judge?” Charlie asked as soon as he looked up from his computer. “Damn, man. You got Tony already.”
Judge took off his leather coat and threw it over the back of one of the desk chairs. “Yep.” He groaned, reaching up and cracking his neck on each side. Bookem left his side and went to get some affection from the other big hunter while Judge made himself a cup of coffee.
Charlie patted Bookem hard on his flank while telling Judge a story about a female jumper that he’d had to pepper spray after she continued to kick and bite him. Judge barely listened while he checked his emails on one of Dukes computers. He had a billion stories of his own, he didn’t need to hear anyone elses.
“Is that Judge down there?” he heard Duke’s husky voice yell down from the top floor.
“No.” Judge yelled back.
“Well then I don’t have to write this check then.”
Judge smirked and kept typing an email to his father. He liked to check in at least every few days and let him know he was still alive since he was the only living relative he had. Once he was finished he saw that Bookem had made himself comfortable on the couch in the corner. “Hey, Charlie give Book his food and some water while I talk to Duke.” Judge dropped the bag of dog food by Charlie’s desk and went for the stairs, hefting his own duffle bag over his shoulder.
“You got it.” Charlie whistled for Bookem to follow him.
“Well that was fast.” Duke said when Judge rounded the corner. He walked into Dukes home and made himself comfortable on the tan leather sectional. He suppressed his tired groan. His body was getting tired, he’d never admit that to anyone and probably not out loud to himself, but each chase waned on him a little more than the last. At forty-four, he wasn’t getting any younger. He heard ice clinking in a glass and opened his eyes to see Duke holding out a glass of scotch. Judge sat up, tucked his sugar cane to the side and took the drink, tossing back the strong liquid. He grimaced, setting the glass on the wooden coffee table in front of him. He noticed his check was on the table too. Another fifteen grand to add to his retirement fund. Tony’s bond was only seventy grand but Judge’s fee was more than the standard ten percent most hunters got paid. He usually was employed to go after the more dangerous criminals anyway, so rightfully he should get more.
“You gonna hang out a bit, or you getting back on t
he road?” Duke sat down in his recliner and turned his news channel back up.
“I was hoping to use your facilities before I headed back home.” Judge was already digging around in his bag for his toiletries kit.
“You know I don’t mind.” Duke turned to look back at him.
Judge held his gaze for a moment before getting up and going to the bathroom. The high-pressure showerhead felt amazing. If Judge had to stay in a hotel, the water pressure usually sucked because he just didn’t agree with paying three hundred dollars in some fancy room for one damn night. Truck stops were the worst but they did the trick in a pinch. He groomed a little of his beard, clipping the stray strands on the bottom and edging the sides. He’d wiped off his leathers and hung them over the shower stall to dry so he opted for a pair of sweat pants and a tank top. When he came out Duke had a plate of food waiting for him on the table.
“It’s just left overs, figured you hadn’t eaten in God knows when.”
“Well, damn. I didn’t know you cared.” Judge drawled, quickly grabbing a beer from the fridge and digging into the plate of spaghetti. It tasted delicious and he was glad to get the hot meal. When he was finished he watched Duke as he focused on his news program. Duke was a handsome man. Broad and manly, like Judge liked them. He was stable and honest, one of the few men Judge trusted. Duke turned, feeling Judge’s intense gaze on him. Without a word or comment, Duke reached for his remote and turned off his television.
When he stood, Judge’s eyes immediately went to the bulge protruding from his jeans. Duke took the hem of his shirt in both hands and pulled it over his head, dropping it at his feet. His chest was toned and covered with dark curly hairs. His taut brown nipples made Judge’s mouth water. Trailing back up, Duke’s dark eyes were hooded with his desire as he came and stood in front of him. He kicked Judge’s bare feet wider and dropped down to his knees in front of him.
“You gotta leave soon?” Duke murmured, leaning in closer.
“No.” Judge’s voice had gone darker.
“Good.”
That was all Duke said when he leaned in going for Judge’s neck. He’d grown used to Judge not kissing. He never kissed anyone. It was too personal, too intimate, and he didn’t do either. He leaned his head back, moaning at Duke’s rough treatment of his throat. His day old stubble scratched him deliciously, and it had him digging his hands into Dukes black and grey streaked hair to hold him there longer. Duke moaned close to his ear, licking out his tongue and flicking his earlobe. “Want you in my bed, Judge.”
Judge shoved Duke back and stood up, putting his cock against his chin. “This what you want?” Judge’s voice was deep and husky. He did need to get off and Duke was always so willing.
“Yes.” Duke moaned, pulling down the front of Judge’s sweats and rubbing his scratchy cheek all over his hard dick.
Judge hissed, accepting the pleasure and pain. When Duke opened to take the head in his mouth, Judge grabbed him by his arms and yanked him up to his chest. Duke was a head shorter than him and the way he gazed up at Judge made him question if bedding Duke again was a good idea. The guy was kind and considerate, always wanting to please him but that just wasn’t his thing. He didn’t need an overly pleasing lover.
“Whatever you want. I’ll do it.” Duke groaned, pulling Judge closer to him.
“I know you will.” Judge caressed the side of Duke’s cheek and leaned down to kiss him on his temple. Duke eat up the contact, nuzzling and kissing Judge’s Adam’s apple.
Judge turned them towards the king-sized bed that sat caddy-corner in the large room. He pushed Duke down on the bed and stood in front of him. Duke knew what he wanted first. There was nothing like a warm, inviting mouth to set Judge ablaze. And damn, Duke knew all his hot spots. Knew exactly how Judge liked.
Lifting his heavy cock to Duke’s mouth, he teased him with his precome, giving him just a taste, making him anxious for it before he slid the head past Duke’s firm lips. “Ahhh. Yes.” Judge didn’t pump his hips. He didn’t want this to be over too fast. Needed to savor this.
“Does that feel good, baby.” Duke said seductively, licking around Judge’s balls.
He didn’t answer just groaned his appreciation. It did feel wonderful but he hated be called baby or daddy. It was just weird to him. He inhaled sharply when Duke opened wide and fit his entire sack inside his mouth. “Fuck.” He hissed, his hips rocking on their own.
When Duke released his wet sack and went back for his cock, Judge knew he’d better get going or else Duke would be waiting for him to recover before he got fucked.
“Get your ass up there.”
Duke hurried out of jeans and climbed up on the bed, eagerly presenting his ass to him. Sometimes, Duke just made it too easy. Judge climbed up on the bed and settled in behind Duke’s furry ass. That was a very big turn on for him but he didn’t mind a lover to give him a challenge. He rubbed his cock between Duke’s crease, taking a few deep breaths to calm himself. He reached over and got the slick and condoms from the nightstand.
“I’m already ready for you, Judge.”
Of course you are. “Awfully presumptuous of you.”
Duke chuckled, taking the lube and pushing some inside himself, working himself on his own fingers. “Just need it is all.”
Judge picked up the condom and made quick work rolling it on. Duke rubbed his wet hand over Judge’s dick and he had to slap it away when that telltale feeling started again. He gave Duke a warning tap with the head of his cock first, before he pushed past that first ring of muscles. Duke hissed then moaned as Judge sank all the way inside.
“Jesus fuck, Duke. I thought you were ready.” Judge squeezed his eyes closed at the obscenely tight hold Duke’s ass had on his cock. He felt like a damn virgin.
“Mmmmm. I am. Fuck me, baby.” Duke urged.
Judge rolled his eyes again at the annoying term, pulled back and slammed himself deeper inside his friend. I’ll show you who ain’t a baby. He setup a good punishing rhythm for Duke, making him cry out like he loved to. Damn it felt fucking wonderful. It seemed to relieve all the pent-up frustration he’d been experiencing on the road for the last few days. He saw Duke working his cock, and knew he was getting there just as fast as he was. His ass squeezed him even tighter, if that was possible while Duke’s climax rushed to the surface. Shit, shit, shit. He was close too.
Duke stopped working his dick. “Let me turn over and face you.”
Judge didn’t want to be an ass. But facing front was too intimate, and it made people want to kiss too. He didn’t need anyone gazing into his eyes. They were just fucking not making love. He pumped a couple more times. “Fuck. I’m already there, man.”
Duke went back to working his own cock. “Damnit. Don’t stop, Judge. Don’t fuckin’ stop, please baby.” Judge hadn’t told a complete lie, he was real close. He gave Duke what he needed. Felt him come hard around his dick, his ass spasming around him. Judge hammered him some more but his orgasm wasn’t building to the point of going over the edge. He conjured up his favorite porno in his mind. Thought about big sexy Rocco Steele fucking another alpha and sure enough, that did it. Judge slammed deep inside and grunted through his release. It wasn’t a good nut. Nonemotional nuts were never that good. But he came. He rubbed Duke’s ass and back as he came down, trying to show his appreciation. “Fuck.” He moaned as his dick slipped out.
Duke turned over and Judge fell down beside him. He pulled off the condom and dropped it in the wastebasket by the night stand “Damn, dude.” Judge half laughed, half groaned.
“Yeah. That was good.” Duke grinned his charming smile. “As usual.”
“Mmhmm.”
“Sit tight. I’ll get a rag.”
Duke walked over to the bathroom and Judge took the time to contemplate if he wanted something more with Duke. The man had made his intentions known on more than one occasion. Ugh. He wouldn’t be settling. Duke was freaking awesome. Fun to be around, generous, handsome, honorable. His em
ployees loved him. But there was just something missing.
While Judge looked at the time on his phone, Duke wiped off his cock for him with the warm rag. He tossed it on the stand and nestled up beside Judge. It was quiet and peaceful. The bed felt a helluva’ lot more comfortable than the front seat of his truck. He was just getting into that good realm of sleep when he felt Duke playing with his chest hairs.
“Are you asleep, Judge?”
“I’m not anymore.”
Duke chuckled. “Sorry. But I have to know if you’ve given some more thought to coming to work with me?”
“Yes.”
“And.”
“No.”
Duke sat up on his elbow, looking down at him, a frown creasing his forehead. “Why not? We make a good team. You’d be a partner, we’d split it all fifty/fifty. I could partner with you, we’d go on the road together.” Duke smiled. “Catching the bad guys.”
Oh hell no. Judge didn’t want no partner. He didn’t need anyone dragging or slowing him down. He’d been doing this for a long time, just fine, without a partner. Partners died on you and left you to pick up the pieces of your shattered existence. Never again.
“Come on, Judge.” Duke’s hand snaked its way down to his cock and the traitorous appendage quickly rose to the occasion.
“You think the way to a partnership is through my cock.” Judge said drily. Stretching his arms high before linking them behind his head.
“No, but it’s a start.” Duke whispered, placing soft kisses across Judge’s chest.
Judge closed his eyes, letting himself get lost in the sensation when his cell phone chimed nosily beside him.
“Damnit.” Duke grumbled. “Don’t answer it.”
Judge looked at him like he had horns. “A bounty hunter that doesn’t answer his phone.”
Duke stopped and dropped back down on his side of the bed. Judge picked up the phone, not recognizing the out of state number. But of course that wasn’t uncommon. He pressed the illuminated green receiver and grumbled a lazy, “Talk.”
The deep voice on the other end of the line had Judge’s eyes opening wide and him bolting straight up in the bed. “I don’t believe it.” Judge listened some more. Fucking Cashel Godfrey. Last he’d heard he’d settled down with that asshole Day and was heading up a pretty big task force in Atlanta. Now from what he understood, God needed him to come to Atlanta and take a job. Hell, this must be big.